Endometrial Ablation: Women Say Goodbye to Monthly Visitor

For Cathy Huffman, her 'monthly visitor' had become an unwelcome guest. Painful periods were ruining her life.
"I knew that it was going to do nothing but get worse and then when it actually did happen it was cramping, heavy bleeding, clotting."
Her menstrual cycle affected her up to three weeks each month. After years of living like that, Cathy was at a breaking point.
"And when the doctor asked me if I had ever thought about not having a period again, and I thought to myself who doesn't think about that?" says Huffman.
"Some patients become anemic, light headed, dizzy, during their periods, too emotional, they don't deal with their surroundings as well or have to miss work," says Dr. Ed Halpren, an obstetrician/gynecologist on the medical staff of Lee Memorial Health System.
Dr. Halpren felt Cathy was a good candidate for global endometrial ablation.
"We use a radio frequency probe which takes about ninety seconds. The patients sometimes do it under local anesthesia, meaning they get an injection, so they're numb like you went to a dentist office," says Dr. Halpren.
The ablation procedure vaporizes the lining of the uterus. Performed in minutes, right in the doctor's office, the procedure is considered a less invasive alternative to a hysterectomy.
"About 90% of patients are very happy with the procedure, meaning the amount of blood flow that they have is either reduced dramatically and about 50% have no flow at all," says Dr. Halpren.
It has given Cathy control of her life.
"It's fantastic, being able to do what I want when I want."
Endometrial ablation is helping scores of women say goodbye to their periods, period.
View More Health Matters video segments at leememorial.org/healthmatters/
Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we've been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.
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[@pickme6200]

I had this done 25 years ago, it's the best surgery I ever had. It worked for me. I have no complaints at all.

[@Nathan12356845]

After years of heavy painful periods I decided to have this procedure done in November. I still have periods but they are more of a normal flow. My biggest relief is the pain! I no longer have to take narcotics for my menstrual pain. I'm very happy I had the procedure done.

[@anonymoususer1231]

Just had this done, first period i only needed a panty liner, and changed it every few hours. Compared to a huge pad changing it every 30/40 mins!!! It was brutal my life revolved around my period. I’m hoping it stays this way but its still early. The surgery was easy, with no down time.

[@aivlys5952]

I just did it today.. i still have some crambs and pain but i feel i made the best decision of my life.

[@jusme9400]

How are you now, when did the pain stop, having mine next week

[@tinaquinn9042]

@@jusme9400 how are you now I had mine 2 days ago

[@kath5201]

Had one. They dont tell you about painful orgasams afterward....forever. massive cramping.

[@darussianping61]

I heard some really bad reaction which ended in hysterectomy. do your research first.

[@abbykat77]

I had it done and still get a period and cramps. Doesn't work for everyone.

[@alyssaisaac4563]

Is your cycle heavy?

[@jusme9400]

Oh wow, that sucks

[@janetjimoh8934]

Sorry dear

[@rowiemillar7321]

Wish I had this

[@valroze1647]

I had this done after having a period even with iud and birth control. I was spotting but it was non-stop. My ablation was done in July and I’m still spotting but it’s more of a normal period then it has been in 5 years. I actually have some days free of bleeding!

[@tams1763]

How are you doing now? I'm thinking of having this done.

[@valroze1647]

@@tams1763 I ended up having to have a full hysterectomy because it didn’t workout for me.

[@jabbersart6218]

i have the same problem but its because i have a birth control arm implant...have to take it out soon. i cant imagine the fear and bs of dealing with this naturally

[@lovepeacejazzy]

I dont know how I feel about this. My Dr says no uterian lining makes you a HIGH cancer risk

[@jusme9400]

Wow I think I heard opposite

[@Yohanasvideos]

Oh no are you seriuos

[@MysteriousVirScorpio]

Based on what I know, the uterine lining increases cancer, fibroids and polyps. Disease and fetuses feed off of the lining.

[@kath5201]

Nearly 70. So far, so good....

[@kalekoi]

fellow trans bois, where u at? 👀